If I had a dollar for every time I said how much I love Nordstrom, I’d be able to afford this bag. Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale only happens once a year and to be completely honest, besides Christmas, it really is my favorite holiday (other than my birthday). Is there anything better than being able to shop for fall’s top trends two months in advance….ON SALE? If you’re lucky enough to be a cardholder (I’ll hold off on my former Nordstrom employee rewards card pitch), you get to shop the sale before the general public.

The sale opens up completely on July 17 at 7:30 PM – make sure to shop early, prices officially go up August 4!

I’m proud to admit that I’ll probably shop the sale up until the last day possible, especially when I’m finding new steals everyday. Do you shop the Anniversary Sale? What are you looking to add to your fall wardrobe?

While Bobbi Brown is primarily known for her makeup, her skincare has been changing the game one product at a time. After being introduced to her skincare line, it wasn’t hard for me to gravitate towards Bobbi’s Soothing Cleansing Oil. A cleanser that CAN remove makeup, especially eye makeup, deserves some SERIOUS credit.

Have you heard the news? Bobbi Brown is coming back to Chicago soon…like really soon. Soon as in 11 days, but who’s counting? If you remember the last time I got the opportunity to work a Bobbi Brown personal appearance, it is a HUGE honor as a makeup artist. After working for Bobbi for almost three years, I can truly say she is an amazing woman, and her story is motivation for women to always follow their dreams.

Now for the good news, I’m inviting you all to come and experience a Bobbi Brown personal appearance with the opportunity to attend a Bobbi Brown Masterclass taught by BOBBI HERSELF (JSHGSGKSHGSKGH!!!!!!)

BOBBI BROWN BOOK SIGNING (1pm – 2pm) – Bobbi will be signing her 8th book — Everything Eyes — which teaches readers everything they need to know about how to create standout eyes.

PERSONALIZED MAKEUP LESSONS (10:30am – 5:15pm) – If you aren’t able to attend a master class, you can still get-in on all the fun with a personalized makeup lesson with a talented Bobbi Brown makeup artist!

To book any of the above appoints, please email me ASAP at justinegershak@gmail.com as space is limited and will fill quickly. Hope to see you there!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I’m happy to introduce another exciting series coming to Short is the New Black today! (Drum-roll please….) The Skincare Spotlight series is something I have thought about doing for quite some time now and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! These series of posts are a way for me to share noteworthy products that I’ve either just recently discovered or have been using for a while.

In case you missed the Clarins Double Serum preview on my blog last week, feel free to take a peak now. This serum has won several beauty awards and is powered by 20 pure plant extracts and potent, high-tech molecules. Oh and while you’re at it….be sure to check out my favorite NYC blogger, Hallie’s #30DaysofBeautiful Challenge.

After weeks of annoying my friends about the products above, I decided it was time to share my love with all of you! Behold, 10 beauty products that are absolutely worth the splurge. Now before I really get into it, I’ll be the first to admit that I have my fair share of drugstore favorites too – nail polish, lipstick + mascara.

From Left to Right:

Clarins Double Serum – aside from winning various beauty awards, this serum is powered by 20 pure plant extracts and potent, high-tech molecules. Results? You will see firmer skin, smaller pores, and visibly even toned skin. Did I mention this serum combines two powerful formulas into one?

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick – if you know me at all, you know that I swear by Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick. It literally is the best of the best (am I allowed to say that?) Aside from flawless, silk-like coverage – this product is perfect regardless of where you’re putting on your makeup (no judgement here).

Oribe Beach Wave Spray – is one of those products that I almost don’t care if it’s actually doing something because it smells THAT GOOD. Lucky for me, it gives my curls the perfect dose of shine and texture.

NARS Yachiyo Brush – this is one of my favorite blush brushes that can be used for color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. The black goat hair of the brush is known for its softness and strength. A must have in your makeup bag.

NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer – we have all faced the struggle of finding the right concealer. NARS definitely hit the jackpot with this blendable, long-wear concealer that gives the perfect amount of luminosity and coverage to brighten up underneath the eye.

Clarisonic Mia – do I really even have to go into why this product is worth the splurge? Just think of it this way: in order for your serums, creams, etc. to actually get into your skin to work – they need to fight through all the dirt and oil to do so. The Clarisonic gets into your skin (without being abrasive) and cleans 6x better than your hands.

butterLondon Nail Foundation – do we still have the “I don’t need a base coat” attitude? butterLondon base coat hides and smooths tiny ridges and imperfections in the nail. It literally is like a foundation make-up for the nail. Added bonus: it actually keeps my nails from chipping. Who knew base coat was actually supposed to work?

Tom Ford Lipstick – the holy grail of lipsticks and the home of my favorite nude lipstick ever Pink Dusk. If you can get past the beautiful packaging, this luxurious lipstick has great pigment and an incredibly smooth application.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in Chicago (okay…..Chicago suburbs) for the past 20+ years, it’s that you never know what the weather is going to be like. We have 80 degree days in March and sometimes 50 degree days in June. Yesterday, however, was a perfect spring – borderline “summer” day. The people of Chicago came out of their almost 5-month winter long hibernation to enjoy Summer Shandy on patios everywhere.